The Somerset Art Works Online Art Group is an accessible space for people of all abilities to engage with art in a way that suits them.
Taking place online, artists deliver fun and mindful workshops in a variety of mediums – providing an opportunity to escape daily stresses and explore creativity for wellbeing. The group nurtures a creative community, helping members develop skills, connect with others, build confidence and express themselves.

Creativity is fundamental for our health and wellbeing, and supports us to live well for longer. An ever-strengthening body of research tells us that engaging with creativity and culture improves mental health and wellbeing and can be used in the prevention, treatment, management and recovery of physical health conditions.
_{Creative Health Review, All Party Parliamentary Group 2023}

Filmmaker Hannah Earl has captured conversations with one of our Lead Artists Gemma Dunnell, and group member Ember Kelly, highlighting the positive impact the group has had on both artists and members involved, and the importance of accessible creative opportunities. Watch it here:

To assess the value of the group, its relevance and accessibility, we asked our 2025 group members for some feedback on their experience.
Those who responded told us (click on the images below to view or click here):

Read our 2024 Case study here:

Quiet Places – Wellbeing Programme
Our Somerset Art Works Wellbeing Programme offers artist-led, creative activities, focussing on teaching new skills, encouraging people to explore their creativity, express themselves, build confidence and feel more connected in the community. Art activities of any sort are great for developing self esteem and for maintaining wellbeing in turbulent times – the chance to reflect upon one’s circumstances and express oneself are invaluable.
We run in-person artist residencies with wellbeing groups around the county and our Somerset Art Works Online Art Group.
https://somersetartworks.org.uk/what-we-do/community-and-learning/quiet-places/

Somerset Art Works Online Art Group – the beginnings…
In 2020, in response to the pandemic, SAW developed an ‘At Home’ strand of our Quiet Places artist residency project. Funding was received in 2020 from the Somerset Coronavirus Response and Recovery Fund via Somerset Community Foundation – bringing art activity online when we can’t meet in person. Our artists developed innovative and interesting ways of creatively engaging with wellbeing groups and individuals around the county, during a time when many were feeling particularly isolated.

We discovered that whilst engaging online isn’t for everyone – for some people it really works and is hugely valued!
For members of our community who are those isolated due to transport, rurality, shielding, caring responsibilities, or whose health conditions mean that getting out and about is problematic, the ability to participate in your own home, in your own time, in your own way, can be a much needed experience.

In 2022-2023 Somerset Art Works developed a new countywide Online Art Group thanks to funding from Open Mental Health. We are happy to say that the group continues into 2025, thanks to grant funding from Somerset Community Foundation.

Running 6.30 – 7.30pm on first Wednesdays on Facebook Live (once a month from 2026), plus recordings to revisit at any time – take part at a time that suits you.
Affordable places available (donations welcome). New members welcome at any time. Contact us for more information and bookings: admin@somersetartworks.org.uk
www.somersetartworks.org.uk

With thanks to funding support in 2025 from Somerset Community Foundation and Arts Council England